Coronavirus: Iran says 23 MPs have disease

The world health organisation has described this as ‘uncharted territory’ – as nations rush to contain the spread of the virus – as well as containing public fears. In the last hour – Italy said 24 people have died in the last 24 hours – taking the total deaths there to 79.

More than 90,000 people are infected worldwide – with 3,100 deaths. At least 70 countries are affected – the latest to report cases – Morocco and Ukraine.

The French  government is requisitioning all current and future stocks of protective masks – reserving them for health professionals and victims of the virus.

South Korea saw 851 new cases largely in and around the city of Daegu – its biggest daily increase in infections.

And Iran’s Supreme Leader has put the country on a war footing – 23 members of parliament have the virus – 300,000 soldiers and volunteers could be mobilised.

A warning – there are some distressing images in our international editor Lindsey Hilsum’s report.